Heavy rain brings disruption to Northern England

River levels remain high and are rising in some areas
River levels remain high and are rising in some areas

Heavy rain brought flooding to communities across the north of England on Sunday despite river levels stopping short of some predictions.

Rivers burst their banks in Cumbria with flooding affecting roads, farmland and train services across the county.

Only a handful of homes are thought to have been affected despite initial fears up to 1,600 properties could be at risk.

Flood warnings are still in place in parts of northern England where exceptionally heavy rain and strong winds at the end of last week caused disruption, though severe flood warnings in Cumbria have been lifted.

River levels remain high and are rising in some areas. On Sunday, Environment Agency officials warned that the risk remains highest for Cumbria, parts of Lancashire and western parts of North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire and said the outlook for the rest of the week remains unsettled.

Flooding is a critical issue for many farmers. As a major industry and rural employer there is much more at risk from flooding than just the food that ends up on our dinner plates.

The NFU is campaigning to ensure that agriculture is properly valued in flood risk management and rural flooding is effectively managed.